New Book Release: February 2023

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! And Happy Book Release Day!

 

I honestly can’t remember ever having a book release on Valentine’s Day before, so that’s kind of exciting! Because, if you’ve read any of my books, you know I’m BIG on romance. I love it, and it oozes from my books!

 

The same is true of my new release, The Last Chance Cowboy. It’s a sweet but sizzling romance full of lots of favorite tropes including: Marriage of Convenience, Mistaken Identity, Unexpected Baby, and more.

 

The Last Chance Cowboy is essentially a redemption story for Dylan, who is the prodigal son turned sheriff. He’s back home after years of wild living and is doing his best to put his past behind him. So, he's in for a surprise when a woman shows up on his doorstep claiming that she has his baby.

 

As a midwife, Catherine, the heroine of The Last Chance Cowboy, is also struggling with a redemption story of her own. Since she’s been accused of a crime that she didn’t commit, she’s on the run from dangerous criminals. When she arrives in Fairplay and the sheriff proposes marriage, she thinks she might have found a solution to all her problems. She soon realizes that problems always have a way of catching up to a person . . .

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“The book was unputdownable! It is one of those books you want to keep reading but at the same time you want to slow down because you never want it to end.”

 

“This book is full of love and forgiveness, plenty of flirtatiousness and heart pounding kisses. Dylan is such a sweet talker, I can’t blame any woman for falling for him! This book pulls on all the heartstrings.”

 

“I love marriage of convenience stories, especially when Jody Hedlund writes them. You can be guaranteed clean heat, passion in spades, and lots of charm and wooing. Dylan’s ‘darlin’ had my heart melting.”

 

To find out more about The Last Chance Cowboy visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/the-last-chance-cowboy/

 

 

New Book Release: December 2022

 

Merry Christmas! And merry book release!

 

STAY WITH ME, the long-anticipated sequel in my Waters of Time series, hits shelves today!

 

The previous two books, Come Back to Me and Never Leave Me, are a pair and involve the Creighton family with sisters, Marian and Ellen, each getting a book.

 

This newest book, STAY WITH ME takes readers on a new adventure with a new family, the Huxhams. Siblings Sybil and Dawson each get an adventure in the Middle Ages. STAY WITH ME is Sybils story. And Dawson’s journey, Wait For Me, releases in May of 2023.

 

Essentially STAY WITH ME is a standalone with references to previous characters from earlier books, but none are integral to understanding the plot. So if you pick up this book without having read the previous ones, you’ll be fine.

 

Similar to the other books in the Waters of Time series, STAY WITH ME takes place in both the present and the past with the element of time-crossing a prominent feature. Ancient holy water combined with a coma is still the vehicle for time traveling. And, of course, going into the past remains very dangerous, including the possibility of never recovering from the coma.

 

This book like the rest in the series is slightly heavier on the sizzle (compared with my regular historical romances). The passion and chemistry between the characters is heated, but it all remains clean.

 

Early reviews are rolling in and readers are saying this:

 

“With a spell-binding plot and a romance that sizzles off the page, readers will gladly get lost within Sybil and Nicholas' story. I absolutely loved the hero! Definitely one of my top book heroes.”

 

“Wow! I am so glad Jody Hedlund continued the Waters of Time series! Sybil & Nicholas were such intriguing characters from the previous books and were just begging for their stories to be told. This book does not disappoint! I admit I stayed up past 1:30 am reading because it was so hard to put down.”

 

“I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down. It captivated me with its suspenseful and intriguing storyline, intelligent writing, great characters, nonstop action, and clean but intense romance. As soon as I finished, I was ready to re-read it again.”

 

I hope that you’ll dive into the twisting waters of time in the pages of STAY WITH ME. To find out more, visit the book page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/stay-with-me/

 

New Book Release: October 2022

 

Another sweet but sizzling cowboy romance hits shelves this month! Falling for the Cowgirl is now available!

This is a standalone novel in the McQuaid family saga, which means you don’t have to read the other books in the series for this one to make sense. But I have a hunch you’ll love all of the McQuaid stories, so do yourself a favor and start with Book #1, A Cowboy for Keeps.

 

Falling for the Cowgirl is the story of Ivy, the only girl in the McQuaid clan. As a result of being the lone female, she’s quite the tomboy. In fact, at the start of the story, she’s participating in cowhand competitions (the old-fashioned way of saying rodeo), but since women aren’t allowed to be involved, she’s disguised herself as a young man.

 

Well of course, the dashing hero, Jericho shows up at a competition and recognizes her behind her disguise! And boy-howdy, does he have a lot to say to Ivy and her involvement in the dangerous stunts. Sparks start flying right away and never stop!

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“The fast-paced, action-packed plot along with compelling, memorable characters lasso your attention and keep you reading! Sizzling, but clean, romance with lots of tension and awkward moments is delightfully entertaining.”

 

“The story was fantastic, the romance was swoony, (the second-chance romance element was so sweet!) There's hidden identities, a bit of mystery, suspense, family, ahhh I loved it all!”

 

“This story is sweet romance and delightful angst and explosive chemistry and conflict all through, and the ending took me by surprise. Whether or not you've read the other books in this series, you can dive into Ivy's story and not feel behind; the author is great at setting the stage and keeping each book in the series complete in itself.”

 

“Picked this up to read the first few chapters before bed time....and ended up staying up way past my bedtime and read until I reached the conclusion because I could not put it down. Jody has done it again! *chef's kiss* “

 

To find out more about Falling for the Cowgirl visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/falling-for-the-cowgirl/

 

New Book Release: September 2022

 

ENTRUSTED is now available! This is book six and the grand finale of the Knights of Brethren series!

 

I have to say, when I opened up a blank document to begin writing this last story, I honestly didn’t know how I was going to wrap up this series and bring all the loose ends together.

 

Of course, I knew I needed to tell Kristoffer’s story and continue the quest for the holy lamp (the relic that I introduced in book five). I also knew I needed to have the final epic battle with King Canute (from the neighboring country). But beyond that, I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to bring everything to a satisfying ending.

 

To make matters more complicated, not only had I developed an external threat to the Knights of Brethren (King Canute and his army of Dark Warriors), but I’d also thrown in an internal threat (possible betrayal from within the tight-knit group of knights).

 

With so much to resolve, you can only imagine my trepidation. But as always, I plunged forward with telling Kristoffer and Birgitta’s love story. And somehow along the way, they took over the storytelling, led me on a dangerous and delectable journey, and came up with an ending that defied anything I could have imagined—oh, wait, I did imagine it!

 

It's true that sometimes I forget the characters aren’t real people. They come to life so vividly, I just let them dictate the story so that by the time I write the climax, they’re fully in charge and somehow happen to create an ending that satisfies me.

 

I’m happy to report readers are satisfied with the series conclusion too! Here’s what they’re saying:

 

“What an amazing conclusion to this wonderful and entertaining series! I was completely captivated from the opening scene until the last page. I recently read Enflamed and loved it, but I think Entrusted is even better.”

 

“This book was just a wonderful conclusion to an amazing series. I have so loved this series and I am so sad to see it end.”

 

“This is the last book in the Knights of Brethren series and, OH. MY. GOODNESS, it is a story that will captivate you and hold you spellbound until the very end!”

 

“An absolutely perfect ending to an epic and romantic series, this book was SO good! Oh my gosh, I was completely enraptured reading it. I didn't even notice the passing of time because the story just pulled me in, and I didn't come up until I had finished it in one sitting. I LOVED this story!”

 

To learn more about ENTRUSTED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/entrusted/

 

 

New Book Release: August 2022

ENFLAMED is now available! This is the fifth sweet but sizzling romance in the Knights of Brethren series!

 

When I was writing this book, I didn’t realize that I included FOUR main tropes! But somehow the book ended up with these:

 

Friends to Lovers. Sir Espen has always kept Lady Sylvi at arm’s length all throughout their growing up years. Although he’s secretly held feelings for her, he’s never crossed the line in thinking that there could be something more between them.

 

Best Friend’s Sister. Not only is Espen friends with Lady Sylvi, but he’s best friends with her brother, Kristoffer. Kris would never approve of him looking at Sylvi in anything but a sisterly fashion. He most certainly wouldn’t approve of him falling in love with her.

 

Forbidden Love. As if the other obstacles aren’t enough, Espen and Sylvi are from different social classes. He’s the son of a poor fisherman, and she’s the daughter of a wealthy and prestigious noble family. She’s expected to form an advantageous marriage.

 

Marriage of Convenience. Espen agrees to help Sylvi escape the terrible matches her father has arranged for her. Of course, Espen can never say no to Sylvi, so when she proposes that they get married to thwart her father’s schemes, he reluctantly goes along with her plans for a marriage of convenience.

 

Join in reading this new love story and be swept away in the fast-paced adventure that involves a quest for an ancient holy lamp, a cliff-top lighthouse, and an imminent war with the neighboring king and his army of deadly Dark Warriors.

 

Early reviews are pouring in, and readers are loving Espen and Sylvi’s story:

 

“Enflamed has everything I've come to expect from this series - action, adventure, swoony knights, a steadfast leading lady, daring rescues, plot twists I didn't see coming, romance......ah the romance. Espen and Sylvi were the cutest, y'all.”

 

“I know I say this with each new YA book of Ms Hedlund, but this is my favorite! A sweet, slow burning friends-to-lovers romance in the midst of life-saving adventure.”

 

“LOVED this story, it was one of those you just couldn't put down until finished. Of all the knights of brethren, Espen has got to be my favorite for his humble start, and easy-going nature.”

 

To learn more about ENFLAMED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/enflamed/

 

 

 

New Book Release: June 2022

 

 

Another sweet but sizzling medieval romance? Yes, please!

 

ENSNARED is a new adventure in the Knights of Brethren series. And this particular story involves Gunnar, another of the king’s elite knights. He and his fellow knight, Torvald, are on a mission to find the sacred chalice for the queen to help heal her of a deadly bleeding disease.

 

This quest takes Gunnar home where he reunites with the maiden he’s always secretly loved, Mikaela, who happens to be a lowly bondservant in his brother’s home. The problem is, Gunnar didn’t exactly part ways on good terms with Mikaela. So as they meet again, the sparks fly hotter than ever!

 

I invite you to read this new tale to find out how Gunnar and Mikaela learn to work together to survive, not only against Gunnar’s evil brother, but also against the perils that await them in Hardanger Forest where they search for the sacred chalice.

 

I’m so happy to hear that early readers are already falling in love with this story, saying that it’s their favorite yet!

 

“I have adored the previous books from the Knights of Brethren series and was excited to get my hands on the newest installment, Ensnared. Oh my goodness, it is probably my new favorite of the series. I adored Gunnar and Mikaela’s story. It was sweet and full of faith with a mixture danger and suspense . . . Ensnared will be getting five plus stars from me.”

 

“This one was the best yet! The plot was really great, kept me guessing, and I'll never grow tired of just how Norse inspired this story world is.”

 

“Just when you think you can’t love a Jody Hedlund book more than her previous release, she issues forth another outstanding novel. Her latest, Ensnared, was a story I could hardly put down.”

 

To learn more about ENSNARED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/ensnared/

 

 

New Book Release: May 2022

 

Ready for another sweet and clean but sizzling cowboy romance?! Then I invite you to give TO TAME A COWBOY a try!

This is the much-anticipated story about the third hunky McQuaid brother, Brody. After fighting in the Civil War and being a prisoner of war, Brody is now in Colorado and living with his brothers at Healing Springs Ranch. While his body may have survived the war, his soul did not. Even though he’s broken, he finds satisfaction in training the mustangs that run free in the mountains.

Onto the scene comes the delightful heroine—veterinarian Savannah Marshall. She wants to do everything possible to help her father out of his financial woes, but she can’t make herself go through with marrying the wealthy man of his choosing. To buy herself time, she runs away into Colorado’s high country. When Savannah steps in to doctor a wounded horse, she soon finds herself trying to heal the wounded horse trainer too.

 

Let the romance begin! Brody and Savannah have an off-the-charts romance! Here’s what readers are saying about it:

 

“They are such a sweet pairing and their attraction and romance is undeniable! Suuuuch a good slow-burn clean-steam romance! (I'm calling it 'clean steam' because we get clean kissing and tension and longing, but with a hint of 🔥passssssion😉.)

 

“Can we just talk about the romance and chemistry? Oh mylanta. So much tension and chemistry between Brody and Savannah and yet they also had a great friendship and emotional connection!”

 

“The swoon worthy romance is an added bonus to make this a perfect read!”

“There are some sizzling kisses between Savannah and Brody, but that is all. I would feel very comfortable recommending this book to teens as well as adults.”

“I love how Hedlund gives you bits of steam to let you feel how much these two want each other! Not many romance writers know how to give you just a bit! Not too steamy for the reader who wants the bedroom door closed.”

 

To find out more about TO TAME A COWBOY visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/to-tame-a-cowboy/

 

 

New Book Release: December 2021

 

ENTWINED, the second book in my Knights of Brethren series is NOW available! This story carries on the tale of the Sword of the Magi (inspired by tales of Excalibur). 

 

While steeped in medieval imagery, clothing, and language, this series is in a made-up country called Norvegia and has a fairy-tale feel (very similar to my other medieval YA series). It's always my goal to make everything grounded in reality so the fantasy elements seem possible.

 

And as usual, the romance is front and central to the story. In fact, each book in the series will feature a different Knight of Brethren and give him his happily-ever-after.

 

What kind of romance is this, you might be asking? 

 

Well, first and foremost it's a sweet and clean romance. The couples never go beyond anything but kissing. BUT, that doesn't mean the romance is bland and boring. I LOVE being able to bring a love story to life and give it all the feels!

 

Here's what a few early reviews are saying about the romance aspect of ENTWINED:

 

"And the romance? Well, let me just say that NO ONE writes swoony but sweet romance like Jody Hedlund. Trust me, my friends." 

 

 "Just a few pages into Entwined and the word that kept coming to mind was sizzling. Jody Hedlund started us in the middle of an adventure begun in Enamored and didn't let us catch a breath between the suspense and romance (talk about chemistry!)" 

 

If you like a sweet, adventurous romance that still makes your toes curl, then this series is for you! 

 

You can grab your copy HERE. And you can find more about this book as well as ENAMORED (the first book in the series) on my website: http://jodyhedlund.com/series/knights-of-brethren/

 

 

New Book Release: November 2021

 

Every year for the past few years, I’ve released a new YA series. And this year is no different! Today begins the release of a 6-book series in my new Knights of Brethren series! Yay!

 

The first book, ENAMORED, releases today (Nov. 9, 2021). And the second book, ENTWINED, releases next month (Dec. 7, 2021). The next two books in the series, books 3 & 4, will release June and July of 2022. And then books 5 & 6 will also hit shelves back-to-back (date TBD). 

YES! That means the series will have SIX books! Eeek! I hope you’re as excited about that as I am!

 

So, what is this new series about? If you’ve read my previous two series The Lost Princesses and The Fairest Maidens, you might remember both were set in the same story world (just in different eras). However, the Knights of Brethren books move the story world to a completely new place with new people and new plots and is loosely inspired by legends of Merlin, King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

 

While this series changes things up, there are plenty of things that remain the same: medieval adventure, dangerous dilemmas, and plenty of sweet romance. One early reviewer said this: “This book was so good! I don’t know why I was even worried that I wouldn’t like it because Jody Hedlund always writes amazing books! I could not recommend it more! I am so excited for this series!”

 

ENAMORED kicks off the series by telling the story of Maxim (based upon Merlin) who wields his mind as a weapon (instead of magic). He and the Princess Elinor must work together to help determine who will become the next king. Of course the story involves an ancient sword (inspired by Excalibur). The problem is that they don’t know if the sword will truly help or hurt them! I guess you’ll need to read the story to find out!

 

To learn more about ENAMORED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/enamored/

 

New Book Release: October 2021

 

 

Are you ready for another sweet and clean but sizzling cowboy romance? Then you’re in luck! The Heart of a Cowboy is now available. Even though it’s the second book in the Colorado Cowboy series, it can be read as a standalone (although I highly recommend reading A Cowboy for Keeps first).

This story is about the second hunky McQuaid brother, Flynn. He’s the responsible, fatherly figure who’s been taking care of his three younger siblings and helping to raise them. After getting kicked off their family farm, Flynn and his siblings decide to move to Colorado, leading a big herd of cattle up to their brother's ranch in the high country.

At the beginning of their trip, the McQuaid family comes across a party of botanists. Amidst the group is a vivacious, beautiful, redheaded botanist, Linnea, who captures Flynn’s attention. Of course, from the moment they meet, lots of sparks start flying between the lovely lead couple. And the sparks only keep getting hotter the longer they travel together down the Santa Fe Trail to Colorado.

But a romance would be boring if the couple didn’t face obstacles to overcome on their journey to find lasting love. In the end, the hardships make the relationship all the stronger and sweeter.

Early readers have already been enjoying this new story! Here’s what they’re saying:

“An amazing read that had me ignore everything else to finish it! Ever since reading A Cowboy for Keeps, I have been eagerly awaiting Flynn's story, and I was blown away. Whether it be the dynamics between siblings or the slow burn romance, everything about this story kept me so engaged and entertained. Highly recommend grabbing a copy today!"

 

“The Heart of a Cowboy is jam-packed with thrilling adventure and heart-throbbing romance.”

 

To find out more about The Heart of a Cowboy visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/the-heart-of-a-cowboy/

 

 

 

New Book Release: June 2021

 

Yes, you did hear correctly! Come Back to Me IS a time-crossing novel (aka time travel)! 

 

Yes, I really did write one! And yes, it is a slight step away from my usual historical romance. I’ve gotten such enthusiasm from so many readers who are excited about going on this new adventure into a new genre with me. 

 

It has vibes similar to Gabaldon’s Outlander series and Susanna Kearsley’s The Rose Garden. Already early reviews are pouring in and expressing delight in the story! 

 

For those who don’t quite know what to think, let me reassure you that I am continuing to write my usual historical romance and my medieval young adult. I have absolutely no plans to stop! In fact, you can expect my second Colorado Cowboys book, The Heart of a Cowboy, to release in October (along with two more in 2022). 

 

And you can also expect two books in a brand new medieval YA series to release in November and December. 

 

But what about Come Back to Me? Should you give it a chance? 

 

This story is about young and talented research scientist Marian Creighton. She and her father share one goal—to find a remedy that can help cure her sister Ellen of a deadly genetic disease that already stole their mother away. However, she is skeptical of her father’s methods. She feels his long-time fixation with ancient holy water and its healing properties are both crazy and a waste of time.

 

But when Marian’s father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water, she’s determined to test his theories for herself. However, she soon realizes that she is not the only one interested in his research. A break-in and a kidnapping convince her that she must take the plunge and follow her father back to the Middle Ages in order to save both her father and her sister. 

 

Come Back to Me takes readers on a wild adventure between two eras, a dangerous present with comas, car chases, and kidnappings, AND a dangerous past in the middle of a bloody peasant revolt. Amidst it all, I make sure to add in a heavy dose of the sizzling romance that readers have come to expect from my novels! 

 

I hope that you’ll dive into the twisting waters of time in the pages of Come Back to Me. To read reviews, watch the trailer, and find out more, visit the book page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/come-back-to-me/